Acne - S Coast dermatologist recommendations pls

[OlafLovesAnna]

My adult acne has been getting worse and worse over the last year or so and its so hideous now it's really affecting my confidence.

I was on tetracycline as a teenager then the acne disappeared until I'd had my kids and is now awful all the time since the mirena coil was fitted.

I have a Drs appointment at the end of the month but want to see a dermatologist privately if that doesn't give results. I've been reading up on the FDA approved laser results and wonder if that might be worth a try?

[SofiaAmes]

My son had super bad acne and because of other health issues was not able to take tetracycline. His geneticist suggested he try high doses of B5. Within a week of starting the B5, ds' acne completely cleared up and stayed away. He takes 4 grams a day (which is 4 HUGE pills). It is supposed to be paired with L-carnitine which he takes anyway for his genetic disease. This article explains the science and dosage. B5 doesn't really have any adverse side effects (gas and bloating are supposed to be the worst of it - ds never got these).

[PolovesTubbyCustard]

It could be the Mirena which is worsening your skin. Progesterone is renowned for affecting skin that way.

It won't improve while you have it in.

[Wolpertinger]

Any consultant dermatologist with an NHS practice will be able to help you as they will have seen thousands of acne patients - it will be a simple problem to them! Don't see someone cosmetic who wants to sell you expensive treatments like laser or expensive products.

However it will be the Mirena coil. Can you consider a different birth control method? Dermatologist will have a way of getting round it if you can't.

[OlafLovesAnna]

I'm pretty sure it's the mirena but can't really get around having it in contraceptive-wise.

It's not that I'm not happy with an NHS derm (I'm an HCP) I just know that referrals etc all take time and my skin is really getting me down now, it took me a full month to get a non emergency appointment with the GP!

Is it unlikely that the Oxytetracycline will help if the Mirena remains in situ then?

[Wolpertinger]

Why not see an NHS derm privately at your local BUPA or Spire or even NHS hospital private wing rather than going to a cosmetic clinic? If you go to cosmetic clinic as you walk in they will be trying to sell you cleanser, moisturiser, 3 treatments, a serum etc as well as the appointment.

Also there are many many more options now than oxytet - it may well work but you aren't a teen any more. Why not see what your GP offers, if it hasn't worked in 6 -8 weeks (by which time you should be seeing something as your skin will have turned over) go back and ask for a private referral. He or she'll send you to an experienced dermatologist.

[OlafLovesAnna]

Yes, Wolf that's exactly what I'm looking for recommendations of - an NHS Derm who runs a clinic at a private hospital, I wouldn't darken a cosmetic outfit's door!

It's just that skin isn't my area and I'm reluctant to ask the maxfax guys I work with as it isn't their area either, plus it's embarrassing and unprofessional. I was thinking laser as in Prof Chu, not as in therapist in white tunic.

I've googled but I can't see any names / reviews that work locally

[ScottishDiblet]

Hello, sorry you said south coast but the two I know of in London are Professor Dowd in Harley Street and the Lister Hospital or Dr Sam Bunting in Harley St. To be honest I think both do what an nhs doctor would do but, as you say, more quickly (and don't mess around)! Private prescriptions do sometimes cost more though. Best of luck.

[OlafLovesAnna]

Thank you Scottish - London is within striking distance so I'll look them up.

[Wolpertinger]

I've worked near Harley St - personally I wouldn't go there and I'm a big fan of Sam Bunting. It's all about the name and you are paying ££££ just for the location.

If that's what you want to do go for it. But your local private dermatologist at your local private hospital could sort this for you easy at half the price and double the convenience. They aren't a big name, don't work on Harley St but acne is not a complex problem to a dermatologist.

[ScottishDiblet]

My friend used Dr Bunting before her wedding and her skin totally turned around! The thing is that she had been prescribed all the different bits and bobs by the gp but for some reason my friend didn't really trust her gp so didn't use the prescriptions but as she got closer to the wedding she panicked and went to Dr Bunting who just took her in hand with a firm no nonsense approach and it worked. It obviously cost loads but was worth it.
I've been seeing Professor Dowd since I was a baby because she's a very good friend of my parents. I had terrible eczema and then horrific spots and she sorted me out. Now she treats my daughter for her eczema.

[Ididnthearanything]

If I were you, I would visit your GP, go for what he offers BUT get a derm referral at the same time. It can take so flipping long to get an appt with a derm. And if it's a quick appt and you don't need it, you can always cancel it. Plenty of others on the waiting list will pick it up. If you go privately you may not need a referral, get one just in case.

Acne is a total bitch. Would you consider roaccutane? Better long term results than any other treatment. Especially as you have the Mirena, you're going to continue to get spots (sorry).

Meantime make sure you're using something with salicylic acid in it. It's great. And not difficult on the skin. I like Jan Marini bioclear in the pump thing. La Roche Posay Efaclar range, Bravura London do one, and Paula's Choice 2% salicylic acid.

[PolovesTubbyCustard]

As above. Just pay a visit to the GP.

I do think though that it will be the Mirena.

I am prone to oily skin and acne - and once went on Cerazette. After month one i was super spotty and oily. It was dreadful. Returned to GP and she did agree that it wasn't for me. Cerazette is progesterone only - same as Mirena (and other mini-pills). Increase the action of the androgens - hence oiliness.

You can have all the treatments, and meds in the world - but if there is something hormonal causing it - then it will never clear.

[maybemyrtle]

This is exactly why I had my Mirena removed, it was immediately replaced with a copper coil and my skin slowly started to improve. Took a fair few months to get back to where I was pre-Mirena but I got there eventually. I totally agree with PPs that I'd start with that rather than fork out for a private derm.

[ajandjjmum]

DD has just finished a 5 month course of Roaccutane. Skin still not perfect, but probably 95% improved. Wish we'd gone for it years ago.

[Ridingthegravytrain]

Cerazette and the mirena both ruined my skin. I'm same as pp with a copper coil now. Unless you have it in for heavy periods in which case I (kind of) understand you wanting to keep it.

A friend with adult acne has recently been having courses of microdermabrasion and my god her skin looks amazing. It's really cleared up and she had really bad cystic acne

My skin was cleared way back by prof chu. Think you mentioned him earlier. I really recommend him

[OlafLovesAnna]

I don't have the mirena for any other reason than contraception, I'd be equally as happy with the copper coil so I may well explore that option too.

I'd actually take anything inc Roccutane in order to get rid of this awful acne!

I'm using 2% salicylic acid and have ordered some Paula's Choice samples but I 'm not hopeful.

[Ridingthegravytrain]

You could also try buying retin a from an online pharmacy. The gel is less pore clogging than the cream. And the added bonus of helping wrinkles!

You can also buy higher strength salicylic acid than 2%

I've had some in my cupboard for a few months but I'm too scared to try it!!

[Ididnthearanything]

If you're happy to go for Roaccutane, do it. It is fantastic. The relief of getting up in the morning and not even thinking about spots is nothing short of wonderful.
Good luck with it.